Phenotype characteristics of patients with colonic serrated polyposis syndrome: a study of 23 cases

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is a rare entity characterized by the presence of multiple hyperplastic polyps in the colon and an increased risk of presentation and development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

To evaluate the clinical and phenotypical characteristics of patients that present one of the 3 WHO criteria for the diagnosis of SPS diagnosed and treated a tour hospital.

Patients with the diagnosis of SPS during 2005-2012 were revised; 24.208 colonoscopies were performed during this period. Age, sex, family history of CRC (APC/MYH), proximal/mixed/distal phenotype, indication for colonoscopy, number, size, location of the hyperplastic polyps, presence of mixed/adenomatous polyps, CRCI, follow-up and endoscopio/surgical treatment.

A total of 23 cases were included (19 male). The median age was 51. A total of 34% had a prior family history of CRC or polpyps. Distal phenotype was more frequent (48%). Another 73% presented synchronous adenomatous polyps, and 26% a CRC. A total of 57% were asymptomatic. Surgery was performed in 9 cases (6 for cancer and 3 for polyposis), and 14 were treated by polypectomy and observation. Eleven patients (47%) presented recurrent/persistent lesions after initial surgical/endoscopic treatment.

SPS is an heterogeneous syndrome that is variable in the type, size, distribution and number of polyps, and is more common in male smokers with a distal phenotype. The majority of patients also present synchronous adenomatous polyps. These patients require an organized multidisciplinary evaluation.